“It a matter of public record that the Scozzafava family company is in financial difficulty.  All her public statements about her withdraw mentioned money problems. Nancy Pelosi is desperate to win this seat,” Long said, adding:  “Can it be a mere coincidence that Dede demand a face-to-face meeting, then jumps?  What did Nancy Pelosi’s errand boy offer in person that they couldn’t discuss over the phone?”

Politico reported yesterday that Pelosi’s deputy, Congressman Steve Israel, met “secretly” with Scozzafava to provide “face-to-face reassurance” before Scozzafava bolted her party to back Owens.  Israel refused to discuss the meeting with Politico.

“This is the kind on insider deal that makes people disgusted about politics. But it might go beyond insider dealing.  Did Pelosi offer to pay off campaign debt or did Pelosi go even beyond that?  In a polluted political world where Pelosi would do anything for Bill Owens, voters have the right to know the full story about the Pelosi-Owens deal.”